Improvement in corsets



2 Sheets--Sheet 1.

T. S. G 1 LB ERT Corsets.

Patented July 22,1873.

I INVEMOR:

BIMW

WITNESSESI Nffs P/vucsss) AM PHOTO 'L 1TH @GRAPHIC C0. N X(0SBOR 2 Sheets--Sheet 2. T. S. GILBERT.

Corsets.

No. 141,134. Y Parenred1uly22,1873.

F1a. 4.1 e

FIGJS.

WITNESSES: INVENTOR:

LNITED STATES PATENT FFICE.

IMPROVEMENT INl coRsETs.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 141,134, dated July 22, 1873; application led June 3, 1873.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, THOMAS S. GILBERT, of Birmingham, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented a certain Corset, of which the following is a specification 1 This corset belongs to the class usually formed of vertical or longitudinal pieces or sections.

The rst part of the present invention relates to a mode of re-enforcing corset-springs without increasing the thickness thereof, and so as to employ the common single steels and to add the supplemental springs in the manufacture ofthe corset. This improvement consists in metallic strips or Wires held by pockets in the corset near the back edges of the main steels and parallel thereto. The second part of the invention consists in the introduction of straight strips, with parallel edges, be tween the first and third sections of the corset, to give superior form `and beauty to the bust-fullnesses. The third part of the invention relates to a' superior method of producing hip-fullnesses near the middle of the back, and consists in forming each back piece of two parts, united at top by a diagonal seam extending inward to the middle of the back.

at or below the waist. .The inner or eyelet piece is thus made very narrow at its lower end. The adjoining lower end of the outer piece is so shaped as to produce the proper amount of fullness.

Figure l is a front perspective View of a corset illustrating this invention. Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of the same. Figs. 3 to 8 are 'diagrams ofthe patterns of the several parts of each half of the corset. Fig. 9 is a transverse section through one of the front edges of the corset, illustrating the arrangement of the springs. Fig. 10 is a similar section, illustrating the introduction of straight strips between the first and third sections.

Each half of this corset is composed of six vertical or longitudinal pieces or sections, numbered 1 to 6 in the drawing, according to their location. Patterns thereof are represented by Figs. 3 to 8, Sheet 2. t, Sheet 2, indicates the top of each section. These sections may be of any preferred material, and of one or more thicknesses; but the sections are preferably made of two thicknesses, as in the illustration.

Between the thicknesses of the several sections pockets z, c2, and y are formed by stitch Ring to receive the steels 002 and whalebones fw. The represented number and arrangement of the latter are variable, and are not claimed as new.

The main springs m are arranged at the front edges of the first sections, and furnished with loops and studs c u, to constitute ,the front fastening, and may be of the common manufacture. The supplemental springs x2 consist of narrow metallic strips or wires, and are arranged parallel to the rear edges of themain springs adjoining the same. By employing a greater or less number of these the strength and elasticity of the springs may be increased to any desired extent, while the thickness of the springs is always the same, and there is no peculiarity in their manufacture.

The sections are united by seams a b c d e. The edges of the patterns of the respective parts are correspondingly lettered on Sheet 2. The outer` edges of the sixth sections (6) are provided with eyelets t to receive a lacing, s. The bottom and top edges may be finished in any approved style.

The second sections (2) are straight strips, as illustrated in Fig. 4, and are introduced between the first and third sections (l 3) to give a better and more artistic shape to the bust than has otherwise been obtained. The fifth and sixth sections (5 6) take the place of one back piece7 in each half of other corsets of this class.

The last section, (6,) it will be observed, is narrow and nearly wedge-shaped, tapering downward. The adjoining piece (5) is consequently adapted to form, by a wide lower end, h, any desired amount of hip-fullness, beginning near the middle of the back.

The following is claimed herein as new:

1. The supplemental springs x2, consisting of narrow metallic strips or wires, the same being held in pockets near the back edge of each main steel, and parallel thereto, as herein shown and described, for the purposes set forth.

2. Al straight strip, 2, introduced between the first and third sections of each half of a corset, as herein speeied, for the objects stated.

3. The compound back pieces, consisting of sections 5 6, formed and united as herein described7 the inner sections 6` being tapered downward to the width of the eyelet edges, and the lower ends ofthe adjoining sections 5 so shaped as to give the requisite hip-fullnesses, which are thus made to begin near the middle of the back, as set forth.

THOMAS S. GILBERT. Witnesses:

ELL. S. SMITH, DAVID ToRRANon. 

